Custom Audio Set-up

[kylethomas23]

Can't decide between OAP or a custom system. I am leaning towards custom due to price and also I get to decide what it looks like in the end. Anyone have ideas or pictures of theirs? Would love some input!

[football751]

I've been struggling with the same thing. As far as price goes, the reference system is $1500. My custom option would be the JL HD600/4 for $550, JL C5-650 for $340, and JL StealthBox for $600, so I'm at $1490 before wiring. So price wise for me there isn't a difference, if anything OAP will be cheaper. You could obviously build your own enclosure and use less expensive speakers and amps and get out cheaper going custom.

I'm leaning towards OAP because right now I'm not willing to spend multiple thousands on a high-end custom install, so for the same price why not get the OAP and save myself the headache of wiring it all and trying to tune it? I haven't seen anyone go from OAP to custom or custom to OAP, so I haven't found a good apples-to-apples comparison.

[Chimera]

When my build is actually complete I'd like to meet up with an OEM Audio+ customer to compare apples to oranges. TBH, my expectation is that the OEM Audio+ will be better than my setup. But I did learn a lot, this car was my first stab at a custom build.

[football751]

Originally Posted by Chimera

When my build is actually complete I'd like to meet up with an OEM Audio+ customer to compare apples to oranges. TBH, my expectation is that the OEM Audio+ will be better than my setup. But I did learn a lot, this car was my first stab at a custom build.

What makes you say this?

[kylethomas23]

The thing that sucks is I'm in upstate New York, so there is only a handful of twins in the area. I want to hear the OAP in person before I spend the $1500.

[kylethomas23]

Originally Posted by Chimera

When my build is actually complete I'd like to meet up with an OEM Audio+ customer to compare apples to oranges. TBH, my expectation is that the OEM Audio+ will be better than my setup. But I did learn a lot, this car was my first stab at a custom build.

Would love to see pics when its fully complete and get some pros and con's from your experience!

[DrewM]

The biggest plus in the OAP setup is that it has a DSP tuned for a specific head unit (OEM and a few aftermarket) and the car itself. You're buying a complete system that is all tuned to work together, that is going to make a HUGE difference in the end result.

You can do that yourself in a build, from cheap (DIY MiniDSP) to expensive (RF/Alpine/JBL etc all have DSP setups), but tuning it and making it all work is a bit more complicated than just installing components and wiring it all together. Buying a bunch of components (regardless of price) and throwing them into the car may work out ok, it will likely even sound better than stock in many ways, but you won't be getting the most out of the system.

[Chimera]

OEM Audio+'s solution includes a DSP. My build has an aftermarket HU, but no DSP.

Originally Posted by football751

What makes you say this?

[kylethomas23]

Does anyone know of OAP's sub actually bumps though? My last systems consisted of JL W3's and a W7. I am all about quality, but I do LOVE my bass..

[football751]

From what I've read if you're looking for the sub to bump, such as with R&B or rap music, it may not be the system for you. Shoot Daniel LaBlanc at OAP an email, he's been extremely helpful in helping me make a decision. They offer 3 bass profiles for the Reference system, as seen on their site:

The Reference 400CF allows you to select the output level of your O+ subwoofer. All our EQ options offer OEM Audio PLus' Signature Sound Reproduction. We will never add bass at the cost of accurate sound reproduction.

Balanced: Detailed bass reproduction. Equal bass output from the front door woofers and subwoofer.

Full: Rich bass sound. Deep bass that is felt without the loss of clarity. The Full EQ helps compensate for the canceling drone of an Aftermarket exhaust.

Robust: Max impact sound. Makes the subwoofer stand out.

[football751]

Originally Posted by DrewM

The biggest plus in the OAP setup is that it has a DSP tuned for a specific head unit (OEM and a few aftermarket) and the car itself. You're buying a complete system that is all tuned to work together, that is going to make a HUGE difference in the end result.

You can do that yourself in a build, from cheap (DIY MiniDSP) to expensive (RF/Alpine/JBL etc all have DSP setups), but tuning it and making it all work is a bit more complicated than just installing components and wiring it all together. Buying a bunch of components (regardless of price) and throwing them into the car may work out ok, it will likely even sound better than stock in many ways, but you won't be getting the most out of the system.

Do you have the OAP system? I noticed this is your first post...not saying that's bad, as we all had to start at 1, just wondering what your experience is?

[kylethomas23]

Originally Posted by football751

From what I've read if you're looking for the sub to bump, such as with R&B or rap music, it may not be the system for you. Shoot Daniel LaBlanc at OAP an email, he's been extremely helpful in helping me make a decision. They offer 3 bass profiles for the Reference system, as seen on their site:

I'll definitely do that. I feel like the robust would be the way to go for me. I just want to be able to hear one in person!!! Somebody in upstate New York needs to get this!

[jamies31]

I ordered the 400cf for my last company car, I put 17k on while listening to the oem + system. I've now got rid of the company car and bought my own car, and will be ordering any 400cf for this car. I've heard both robust and full settings and they are both distinct but it really comes down to personal preference.
Pretty much anyone could install it, its light weight, The subwoofer enclosure is stronger than I ever expected so you can pretty much leave anything in the trunk.

[football751]

Originally Posted by jamies31

I ordered the 400cf for my last company car, I put 17k on while listening to the oem + system. I've now got rid of the company car and bought my own car, and will be ordering any 400cf for this car. I've heard both robust and full settings and they are both distinct but it really comes down to personal preference.
Pretty much anyone could install it, its light weight, The subwoofer enclosure is stronger than I ever expected so you can pretty much leave anything in the trunk.

Great to hear you'll be going back to OAP.

With regard to robust vs. full, can you describe the difference? Any insight on what kind of music is best suited to the settings, or what personal preference might sway someone one way or the other? I've been leaning towards the Full option.